Removal of micropollutant from Samaraa drinking water using granular activated carbon: Review

Environmental Engineering Department / Tikrit University/ College of Engineering, Iraq

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Abstract

In Samaraa, Iraq, the quality of drinking water is still getting worse because of micropollutants from drugs like carbamazepine and pesticides like atrazine, as well as PFAS that don't dissolve. This destruction affects the Samaraa dam, which is an important reservoir for the Tigris River and puts millions of lives at risk. Conventional treatments like coagulation, filtration, and chlorination are not very effective since they destroy health-threatening residues and harm the riverine ecology. These treatments only get rid of fewer than 30% of these trace level pollutants (from ng/L to μg/L). With a surface area of more than 1000 m²/g and the ability of granular activated carbon (GAC) to adsorb better, it is a good treatment option. This study consolidates global research initiatives to evaluate the efficacy of the GOU-based GAC technique in addressing Samara's complex high natural organic matter (NOM) and pollution matrix. This work endeavors to address the notable deficiency of customized GAC model research concentrated on this region. The results show that GAC can use Van der Waals forces and adjustable pores to catch both polar and nonpolar PFAS and pharmaceutical medicines. Sadly, the rivalry from DOC and regeneration makes it too expensive for Iraq to use these systems because the country's infrastructure isn't ready for them. Operational optimization, like increasing the empty bed contact time (EBCT), gives more time for removal, but prices and local capacity are still problems. Samara and the surrounding area will be safer for people's health and the environment. Some people even think that GAC could update Samara's facilities, but that's not possible. Sadly, the limits make it clear that we need solutions that are based in the area. Strategic pilot programs combined with prolonged monitoring are set to address deficiencies in data and knowledge. This review not only talks about how GAC can help Samaraa, but it also helps the discourse of using advanced medicines in developing areas that really need clean water and good ways to clean up pollution. This review looks at how granular activated carbon (GAC) can be used to get rid of micropollutants in Samarra's drinking water. The effectiveness of GAC in adsorbing organic pollutants, such as medicines, insecticides, and industrial chemicals, is examined. The study talks about things that affect GAC performance, like contact time, pH, and dissolved organic matter (DOM). It also looks at advanced methods like ozonation and biological activation to make GAC work better, which could lead to better water quality in Samarra.